You may have been pulled over for a routine traffic check. After the police officer ran your plates, the officer informed you that your driver’s license was suspended. You are now charged with a misdemeanor crime of operating after suspension. You are wondering can you still be charged with OAS if I didn’t know my license was suspended. [Read more…] about I didn’t know my license was suspended. Can I be charged with OAS?
Is OAS a traffic violation?
The question (Is OAS a traffic violation?) is a good one to ask, because in Maine, Operating After Suspension (OAS) is usually a criminal charge but sometimes it can be a traffic violation. In my legal practice I most often see the criminal charge for OAS, which can result in a criminal conviction. There is also a traffic violation variety of OAS, which can result in demerit points added to your driving record. The answer to the question [Read more…] about Is OAS a traffic violation?
When does an OAS conviction drop from your driving record in Maine?
In Maine, if you are caught operating a motor vehicle on a suspended license you will be charged with Operating After Suspension (OAS). The question, “when does an OAS conviction drop from your driving record in Maine?”, is one that comes up from time to time with prospective clients.
If convicted of a first-time Operating After Suspension charge, there is a mandated minimum penalty of a $250 fine in addition to the collateral administrative suspension of 30 days from the BMV. Let’s explore a bit of the long term repercussions.
The main impact will be to your driving record and your wallet. The answer to our question (When does an OAS conviction drop from your driving record in Maine?) is the OAS conviction will always be on your driving record. It does not drop off over time. This fact will cause higher car insurance rates for you. On average driving without a license (or on a suspended licenses) will increase your car insurance rates by about 18%.
Having an attorney represent you for your Operating After Suspension Charges hearing is a wise choice. Once you are my client, I will request the BMV driving record along with police reports, any statements, or other discovery materials to help fight your case. I will review the specifics of your case examining the police stop and why you were pulled over, where you were operating the car, and perhaps if there was a bureaucratic mistake with your reinstatement at the BMV. Basically, I dig in using my experience and find the answers. Using these answers, I will aggressively advocate for you with the district attorney.
Dealing with a Maine Operating After Suspension (OAS) charge should not be taken lightly. It is a quick slippery slope and suddenly you may have additional expenses to pay for your lifetime. OAS is also one of the vehicular crimes the BMV counts against you for a Habitual Offender (HO) determination. These future repercussions are why it is just so important you take swift action to have counsel help you fight these charges. There are proven strategies to defending Maine Operating After Suspension (OAS) charges. The sooner our legal team becomes involved in the intricate details of case, the more time we will have to do our own fact finding as we help to prepare your defense. Whether the Maine Operating After Suspension (OAS) is due to drunk driving (OUI), failure to pay child support or fines or being convicted of driving to endanger (DTE), it is imperative that you contact our firm as quickly as possible after the arrest.
Our committed legal team is determined to take immediate action to seek a positive case outcome. If you or someone you know is charged with a Maine Operating After Suspension Charge, I encourage you to contact The Nielsen Group for your free legal consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We will take the time to answer your questions and to put your mind at ease as we work with you to determine a defense strategy.
It is well worth your time to check out:
If you would like to call us now at (207) 571-8555, we can begin to develop your case strategy.
If you enjoyed this answer to the question (When does an OAS conviction drop from your driving record in Maine?), you may also want to read:
What if I have been charged with OAS in Maine? | Nielsen Group Law
The laws and regulations in Maine for Operating After Suspension (OAS) come to light if you operate your car or motor vehicle while your driver’s license was suspended. A Maine criminal charge of Operating After Suspension (OAS) means that the State is accusing you of operating your car or motor vehicle while your driver’s license was under suspension either by the Court or by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). In other words, simply you were caught driving when your license was on record as being suspended, thus you have been charged with OAS in Maine. Bare in mind that the Maine statute refers to operating a vehicle, if you have any questions on whether you were “operating” a “vehicle” or not, please feel free to ask us.
Your driver’s license could be under suspension for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Administrative suspension related to a drunk driving criminal charge (operating under the influence/ OUI).
- Too Many Demerit Points on your Driving Record.
- Failure To Pay Traffic tickets or other Fines.
- Failure to Pay Child Support.
- Failure to Appear at Court When Commanded to Appear.
Charged with OAS in Maine
Charged with an OAS in Maine
If you have been charged with OAS in Maine, the last thing you want to do is to plead guilty hastily in order to “get it over with quickly.” This is because when driving-related criminal convictions pile up, it means big trouble for you. If you do not address the underlying reason why your license went under suspension and get your license reinstated, each time you get pulled over you can be charged with another OAS.
If you get three (3) serious motor vehicle-related convictions, including OAS in Maine, over a five (5)-year period, the State will designate you as a Habitual Offender (HO). A habitual offender’s Maine driver’s license is revoked. After you go habitual offender, there are almost no opportunities for relief. Therefore, it is far easier, and far more beneficial for you to fight an OAS charge in Maine criminal court when the charge is pending.
In my Maine criminal defense practice, I routinely handle OAS in Maine cases. I have a proven track record of success in assuring the best possible outcomes for clients. If you or someone you know is facing OAS charges in Maine, I encourage you to contact The Nielsen Group for your free legal consultation with an experienced Maine criminal defense lawyer.
Please touch base with me about your case. I guarantee you will feel better.